From the data collected after FP1 and the sprint qualifying round at the Red Bull Ring, it is clear that McLaren continues to show performance on its MCL38.
In fact, it was even more obvious that the introduction of the new front wing at the Austrian Grand Prix and running on Oscar Piastri’s car in the sole practice session that started highlighted the potential for improved performance even as the upgrades seems small.
With the new front wing, the update revolves around new end panels equipped with an internal winglet that serves two functions.
First, it allows to increase downforce, but above all it increases the washout effect and also generates part of the downforce, allowing the height of the front wheels to be exceeded due to the airflow from the front wing.
It would be an exaggeration to consider this upgrade particularly important, but according to many sources, it will help increase cornering precision and handling in medium to fast corners.
Furthermore, it is interesting to note how the team performed the analysis in FP1 by applying flow viz paint on the upper wishbone foreleg of the front suspension, to verify that the flow lift is generated by the winglets. out on the active end plates. as intended.